The aerospace company “progressively rationalizing” hundreds of jobs on mobile

One of the largest mobile aerospace companies has announced that it intends to close local operations in the next few months, the “progressive rationalization” of hundreds of jobs.

VT MAE launched a statement on Wednesday morning saying that “he made the strategic decision to take a capacity transition plan for his mobile operations, Alabama.”

“Within this movement,” explained the company, “VT MAE will progressively rationalize its mobile operations and transition to its Airframe MRO activities to the facilities in Pensacola, Florida and San Antonio, Texas. It is estimated that the process will take place in the next few months. “

While the euphemistic phrase has not explicitly stated that the company is planning a complete stop of its mobile site, a quote by the general manager Alvin Bass clarified that somewhat: “We are grateful for the success and success that we have had on Mobile for more than 30 years and we deeply appreciate the long-term relationship with the mobile community. The difficult decision was taken after we went through a long and careful consideration of several factors and options. … thank you, mobile, for the incredible memories and the unwavering partnership. Your support has been essential for our journey and we will always keep this community close to our hearts. “

While VT MAE did not provide figures, it seemed that the mobile aerospace sector was in line to lose over 500 jobs. In a May 2023 article about the company, Business Alabama reported That the company had 579 full -time employees and had over 1,000 workers if contractors were included. At that time, he also planned to hire another 200 complete timetures for an extension that would refuse Airbus A320 passengers to transport freight.

The city of Mobile Annual financial report For the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2023, VT MAE listed among the main employers of the city, ranking it on ninth with 1,280 employees.

VT MAE is specialized in what is known in the Aerospace Industry as MRO Work, for maintenance, repairs and review. Work on aircraft must be done at demanding standards, With extensive certifications necessary for parts, procedures and workers.

The company’s statement said that the closure was determined by the competition of the industry: “In the efforts to continue its operations and increase its competitiveness on the global maintenance, repair and review (MRO) market, VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering (VT MAE) made the strategic decision to perform a transition plan for its capacity. Within this movement, VT MAE will progressively rationalize its mobile operations and transition its Airframe MRO activities to the facilities in Pensacola, Florida and San Antonio, Texas. It is estimated that the process will take place in the next few months.

“Offering full support to employees will be a maximum priority during this transition,” the statement continued. “This includes opportunities for recovery to its other facilities in the US, as well as overtaking and transition assistance. The company will also work with local communities, including state, city, owner and industry partners for a smooth transition. “

The requests for comments from the mobile chamber and the authority of the mobile airport were pending as this story was published.

There is an irony in terms of the fact that mobile jobs will be transited to Pensacola: In 2014VT MAE has signed an agreement with Florida City to rent properties there. The new planned installation has been described as a “satellite facility” for the mobile operation, who was assumed to hire about 1,500 people at the time.

Airbus growth in mobile has been seen as a positive development for VT MAE. One of the Airbus, Maas partner companies built a Jetliner painting facility at Brookley Aeroplex and Partnership with VT MAE to present mobile as a place where jet owners could have aircraft served and rejected.

VT MAE is a subsidiary of ST Enginery, based on Singapore. The company -Mother Recently reported obtaining record income and net profit in 2024 with revenues of $ 11.3 billion and a net profit of the group that increased by 20% from year to year.

In August 2024, WPMI-TV15 and Relasacola News-Journal This VT MAE has thrown up to 300 Chilean workers who owned jobs in Pensacola and Mobile. Employees were first notified that there is a problem with visas, then said that jobs and health insurance are reduced. The company challenged the terminology He said that the affected employees were dismissed and said it is a problem of “expiring work authorization”.